A shooter killed at least 50 people and injured 53 more in the largest U.S. mass shooting in history at a gay nightclub just outside Orlando, Florida.
In response, Christian leaders from around the globe have issued calls to prayer.
“My prayers are with the many victims and family members who lost loved ones in the senseless shooting—now being called an act of terrorism—at a gay nightclub in Orlando early this morning. Life is precious, and we only have one chance to live our lives here on this earth,” evangelist Franklin Graham said.
Florida Sen. Marco Rubio said, “I am devastated by this heartbreaking act of terrorism in Orlando. Jeanette and I join all Floridians and all Americans in grieving for those who lost their lives and praying for those who were injured in this senseless act of hatred, violence and terror.”
#PrayForOrlando quickly rose as a trending hashtag on Twitter with those around the world lifting their hearts to the Father on behalf of the city and victims.
Author and speaker Christine Caine of Hillsong was in Miami for Rich Wilkerson Jr.’s Vous Conference.
She tweeted, “Heart sick
Heart broken
Heart aching
Heart horrified
#prayfororlando.”
Speaker of the House Paul Ryan called the attack brutal.
“We pray for those brutally attacked in Orlando. While we must learn more about the attacker, the victims & families will not be forgotten,” he said.
Popular author and speaker Beth Moore wrote: “Have had a quiet morning and only now heard the news about the horror in Orlando. Sobbing. Praying. Deeply sorrowful over this madness.”
Caleb Kaltenbach, a pastor who was raised by lesbian mothers, gave this wisdom: “After violence like this, let’s use wisdom in what we say & post… & seek the One who will bring an end to all violence. #prayfororlando.”
Ex-lesbian Janet Boynes posted to Facebook: “What horrible news to wake up to. There are 50 reported dead, and many more injured, after a mass shooting at a gay bar in Orlando. Praying for their families and for those hanging on to dear life at the hospital. Tomorrow is not guaranteed. Never waste an opportunity to share about God’s love. ‘For the Son of Man came to seek and to save that which was lost.’ Luke 19:10.”
And CBN CEO Gordon Robertson said: “Today, we mourn the deaths of innocent Americans who were murdered by an Islamic terrorist in the Pulse nightclub in Orlando. The attack appears to be well planned and specifically targeted against the gay community. There is no justification for this terrible act of violence. All people, regardless of sexual orientation, have the absolute right to be secure and live safely in the United States of America. We at CBN strongly condemn this act of violence and offer our condolences to the loved ones of all those killed or injured. We also commend the Orlando Police and the FBI for their swift response, ending this nightmare and saving the lives of those they could.”
To join the online prayer effort and keep track of how others are praying, click here.
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